The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Vermont (SSN 792) is operating in the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations and conducted a brief stop for logistics in Rio de Janeiro, Dec. 10-15. Vermont is the newest submarine in the U.S. Fleet and is visiting Brazil’s newest submarine base the Itaguaà naval base in the state of Rio de Janeiro. During Vermont’s visit, Brazil will accept three Brazilian built Scorpene-class diesel-electric submarine’s into their fleet: BNS Riachuelo (S40), BNS Humaitá (S41) and BNS Tonelero (S42). While operating in U.S. 4th Fleet, Vermont conducted anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercises with the Brazilian Navy Submarine Tupi (S30) and maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft.
It is an honor to visit Brazil’s newest submarine base and see first-hand the Brazilian Navy’s success in the Brazilian Navy Submarine Development Program (PROSUB) through the build of BNS Riachuelo, BNS Humaitá, and BNS Tonelero,” said Vice Adm. Daryl Caudle, Commander, U.S. Submarine Forces. “The PROSUB program plays an important part in strengthening our bilateral ties and the overall regional security foundation. We will continue to work closely together toward achieving our shared objectives to improve our combined undersea effectiveness.”
USS Vermont (SSN-792) is a Virginia-class nuclear powered attack submarine in the United States Navy. She is the 19th boat of the class and the third vessel of the Navy to be named for the U.S. state of Vermont. Then Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, announced her name on 18 September 2014. Vermont was part of a $17.6 billion contract awarded by the U.S. Navy to General Dynamics Electric Boat to construct ten Virginia-class submarines, the first of the Block IV type. On 20 October 2018, Vermont was christened with a bottle of Vermont sparkling apple wine during a ceremony held at the Electric Boat facility in Groton, Connecticut. She was delivered to the United States Navy on 17 April 2020.
Vermont, while in the 4th Fleet area of operations, will operate under the command and control of Commander Task Force 46 to complement the undersea warfare capabilities of U.S. Southern Command. The crew will adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines to ensure the health and safety of the local population and Sailors onboard. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command’s joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American region.